We Tried the #PowerofMakeup Challenge to Silence the Shamers

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone
POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

As women, we often pick apart our flaws in the mirror when they don't match up to society's standards. Our dark circles, acne scars, and sparse eyebrows are nothing like what we see in magazines, so we cover them up with makeup. It helps that the act of putting on foundation, mascara, and lipstick is damn fun!

However, lately makeup shamers have been complaining about too much product ("haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate"). It's truly like a game of tug-of-war. If women walked out of the house with dark circles on display, we'd hear endless complaints of how tired we look. Yet concealer and contouring is considered too extreme. . . . Where is the middle ground?

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Women can love makeup and embrace their own natural beauty, too. YouTube guru NikkieTutorials proved this point by posting a video with just half of her face painted with product. Since then, women have been showing their support by posting their own #PowerofMakeup shots on Instagram, and we wanted to get in on the action! Our POPSUGAR editors lacquered one side of their faces, leaving the other side bare. The difference is obvious, but what shines through is our inner confidence (and amazing cosmetic-application skills).

Jessica Cruel, Associate Beauty Editor
POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Jessica Cruel, Associate Beauty Editor

Nancy Einhart, VP and Executive Editor
POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Nancy Einhart, VP and Executive Editor

Aimee Simeon, Editorial Intern
POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Aimee Simeon, Editorial Intern

Emily Orofino, Assistant Beauty Editor
POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Emily Orofino, Assistant Beauty Editor

Alessandra Foresto, Latina Editor
POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Alessandra Foresto, Latina Editor

Lauren Levinson, Beauty Editor
POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

Lauren Levinson, Beauty Editor